What is the preoperative preparation for a caesarean section?

• Informed written consent
• Inform theatre, anaesthetist and the paediatric/house officer beforehand (ASAP + send the emergency 'pink chit' for an emergency case)
• IV access; FBC; group & save and reserve 1 unit of blood (emergency crossmatch 1 unit for an emergency)
• Shave the area and insert a urinary catheter

Clinical relevance. Knowing the preoperative checklist (consent, team alert, bloods, catheter) ensures safe, timely caesarean delivery.

More Detail

Preoperative preparation for caesarean section

Preparation differs slightly between elective and emergency, but the core steps are the same.

Consent

• Informed written consent (in both elective and emergency, where possible).

Communication

• Inform theatre, the anaesthetist, and the paediatric/house officer beforehand.
• For an emergency: inform them ASAP and send the emergency 'pink chit' to theatre.

Bloods and access

• IV access (appropriate-gauge cannula).
• Full blood count (haemoglobin).
• Group & save and reserve 1 unit of blood (elective); emergency crossmatch of 1 unit (emergency).

Other

• Shave the operative area and insert a urinary catheter (empties the bladder, away from the surgical field).
• Also: antacid/aspiration prophylaxis, prophylactic antibiotics, thromboprophylaxis assessment, and anaesthetic review.